Michigan sports betting regulators continue their assault on illegal operators.
This week, the Michigan Gaming Control Board sent a cease-and-desist letter to BetNow.eu Sportsbook, Casino and Racebook for offering unlicensed Michigan sports betting and online casino gaming. The MGCB is one of the most active state regulators in cracking down on illegal operators.
“This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law, but also exposes consumers to significant risks,” MGCB Executive Henry Williams said in a release. “Our job is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling is conducted legally and responsibly.”
Michigan sports betting regulator findings
The cease-and-desist came after an MGCB investigation into the operator. BetNow has 14 days to stop offering products to Michigan residents. Otherwise, the MGCB said it is prepared to work with the state’s attorney general’s office to pursue legal options.
MGCB’s investigation found that BetNow violated multiple state laws:
- Lawful Internet Gaming Act
- Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act
- Michigan Penal Code
Michigan crackdowns
Earlier this month, Michigan sent nine unlicensed operators cease-and-desist orders. That came on the heels of three cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed operators in January.
The MGCB also sent two letters in the fall. Last spring, it kicked off a significant string of regulator crackdowns, starting with its letter to Bovada. Since then, Bovada has greatly expanded its list of states where it restricts access to 17.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is an advocate of the actions, allocating money to the state budget for the endeavor last year. Meanwhile, in 2023, Williams led a group of state regulators asking the US government for assistance in fighting the offshore gambling industry.
The MGCB has sent letters to:
- Ace23
- Ace Per Head
- BetAnySports
- Bovada
- CoolCat Casino
- Diamond Sportsbook International
- Duranbah Limited
- MyBookie
- My Dreams Casino
- NonStop Casino
- Palace of Chance
- Papaya Gaming
- Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold)
- WagerWeb
- XbetCasino
